A bursary programme to encourage talented youngsters into digital and cyber careers in defence kicked off for 100 students when they gathered in Blackburn.
A-Level and T-Level students from four colleges across Lancashire – Blackburn College, Cardinal Newman College (Preston), Runshaw College (Leyland), and Blackpool and Fylde College – gathered at Ewood Park this week for a day of activities and insights into future career opportunities.
The scheme supports and incentivises the study of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), digital, and cyber courses, and promotes future careers in defence.
Individuals selected for the scheme are provided with the necessary tools to maximise their personal and career growth.
Through collaboration with the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub (LSEH) and the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Digital Skills for Defence programme, all successful students on this pilot scheme will be provided with access to a broad range of mentoring and development, opportunities including digital learning, as well as financial support and a high-performance laptop.
The event featured everything from robot dogs to code-cracking and a time-pressured virtual escape room.
Working more closely with industry is vital as we tackle digital and cyber threats, and many of the activities were provided by our industry partners.
Defence Digital's Claire Fry, who leads the Digital Skills for Defence programme, spoke of the importance of our collaborators and contributors.
She said: “I want to extend my personal thanks to all the exhibitors and volunteers who made the STEM and Digital Skills bursary induction such a huge success.
"It’s fantastic to see the dedication, hard work and passion from everyone supporting the excellent event.
"We have received great feedback from a diverse student cohort, the four participating colleges, Lancashire County Council, and industry partners.
"We look forward to expanding the scheme further in Lancashire and beyond.”
The students heard first-hand from those currently involved in Defence’s cyber and digital activities.
Both the speed networking and marketplace stalls gave the students a chance to meet and network with experts from across Defence – including both military and civilian personnel – working in organisations including the National Cyber Force and Defence Digital.
County Councillor Ash Sutcliffe, lead member for cultural services and skills for Lancashire County Council, also attended the inaugural event at Ewood Park.
He said: “It goes without saying that this is a really positive move, coming at the same time as we prepare to welcome the National Cyber Force to Samlesbury, and as our team at the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub are developing new and exciting opportunities for people in our region to develop digital and technical skills."
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